Tree Inspector

Dorset Council; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Council works vehicle provided for job

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Dorset Council is seeking a Tree Inspector to join the Arboricultural Team and help inspect Dorset Council-owned trees as well as privately owned trees when required. The role is predominantly outdoors, requiring independent work across varied locations and regular travel.

You will assess tree health, record findings, use tablet-based software, and liaise with officers to determine actions. A driving licence and CPD are essential.

Qualifications

• A Level 4 or above qualification in Arboriculture, such as an HND or equivalent.
• A LANTRA Professional Tree Inspection certificate or equivalent, such as TRAQ or QTRA.
• Substantial experience of undertaking tree inspections.
• Good tree identification and pest and disease identification skills.
• The ability to make sound professional judgements and accurately record and report your findings.
• Good IT skills and experience using tablets and tree database software.
• Good communication and time-management skills.
• The confidence and ability to work independently and manage changing priorities.
• The ability to communicate effectively and deal professionally with challenging or conflicting situations.
• A full current manual driving licence and the ability to meet the significant travel requirements of the role.
• The ability and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Experience using Ezytreev, Bat Awareness training, Veteran Tree training or other relevant land-based experience would be advantageous but is not essential.

Responsibilities

• Carry out systematic tree inspections across Dorset.
• Assess tree condition, defects, pests and diseases and identify appropriate management requirements.
• Produce accurate tree inspection records and reports, clearly recording your findings and recommendations.
• Use tablets and tree management/database software to record inspection information.
• Work independently to manage your inspection programme and meet quarterly inspection targets.
• Liaise with Arboricultural Officers and the Team Manager, Arboriculture and Grounds, regarding trees requiring inspection or further action.
• Attend site visits and relevant meetings when required.
• Communicate professionally with members of the public, Council colleagues, schools, councillors and other organisations.
• Work outdoors throughout the year, including alongside highways and in challenging weather conditions.
• The role involves significant travel across Dorset and regular lone working.

Job description

About the role

Help us manage and protect Dorset's trees

We are looking for enthusiastic and experienced Tree Inspectors to join Dorset Council's Arboricultural Team.

This is an opportunity to play an important role in the inspection and management of trees across Dorset. You will help us manage our tree stock safely and effectively, while contributing to the protection and enhancement of Dorset's environment and the benefits that trees provide to our communities.

What’s in it for you

You'll join an experienced arboricultural team carrying out varied and interesting work across Dorset.

This is a predominantly outdoor role, giving you the opportunity to work independently across a wide range of locations and inspect a diverse tree population. Your professional judgement will directly contribute to the effective management of the Council's trees and help ensure our highways and other Council-owned sites are managed safely.

You'll also have opportunities to maintain and develop your professional knowledge through continuing professional development (CPD), training and learning from colleagues within the Arboricultural Team.

What you can expect to be doing

Your main responsibility will be carrying outtree inspections on Dorset Council-owned trees, as well as inspecting privately owned trees when required.

You will:

• Carry out systematic tree inspections across Dorset.
• Assess tree condition, defects, pests and diseases and identify appropriate management requirements.
• Produce accurate tree inspection records and reports, clearly recording your findings and recommendations.
• Use tablets and tree management/database software to record inspection information.
• Work independently to manage your inspection programme and meet quarterly inspection targets.
• Liaise with Arboricultural Officers and the Team Manager, Arboriculture and Grounds, regarding trees requiring inspection or further action.
• Attend site visits and relevant meetings when required.
• Communicate professionally with members of the public, Council colleagues, schools, councillors and other organisations.
• Work outdoors throughout the year, including alongside highways and in challenging weather conditions.

The role involves significant travel across Dorset and regular lone working.

About you

We are looking for someone with a strong arboricultural background and substantial practical experience of carrying out tree inspections.

You will need:

• A Level 4 or above qualification in Arboriculture, such as an HND or equivalent.
• A LANTRA Professional Tree Inspection certificate or equivalent, such as TRAQ or QTRA.
• Substantial experience of undertaking tree inspections.
• Good tree identification and pest and disease identification skills.
• The ability to make sound professional judgements and accurately record and report your findings.
• Good IT skills and experience using tablets and tree database software.
• Good communication and time-management skills.
• The confidence and ability to work independently and manage changing priorities.
• The ability to communicate effectively and deal professionally with challenging or conflicting situations.
• A full current manual driving licence and the ability to meet the significant travel requirements of the role.
• The ability and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Experience using Ezytreev, Bat Awareness training, Veteran Tree training or other relevant land-based experience would be advantageous but is not essential.

Further Information

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, the Arboricultural Team, or what it is like working as a Tree Inspector for Dorset Council, please contact Andrew Beale, Team Manager – Arboriculture and Grounds on 01305 228160

A DBS check is required for this position.

We welcome applicants who would like to find out more about the role before applying.

The role involves working across Dorset, with a Council works vehicle provided for carrying out your duties. You will primarily work independently in the field while being supported by colleagues within the Arboricultural Team.

Dorset Council supports flexible working, and flexible working arrangements can be discussed where appropriate to the requirements of the role.

This post requires significant travel. You must have a vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed.

This post involves working with children and/or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them. It will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

See our policy on the employment of ex-offenders.

See our policy on safeguarding children and young people. See our adult safeguarding policy.

About Us

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We:

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You will:

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you're passionate about making a difference, we'd love you to join us.